A Longtime NHL Hockey Fan on How He Became 'Ice Tech' for His Hometown Team

François Martindale,
53, the "Ice Tech" for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, on his Zamboni, as told to A.J. Baime:

I was raised in Montreal, where everyone is hockey-crazy. In 1994, I answered an ad in the paper for a job driving a Zamboni for the Canadiens. It sounded like a dream job. I grew up watching this hockey team play.

The club sent me to a school in Toronto to study ice-making. I still remember my first day driving a Zamboni at the old Montreal Forum. It was awesome! I've since worked my way up to technical services supervisor, which means I'm in charge of the ice (among other things) at the Bell Centre.

I drive an electric Zamboni—the only electric machine in the National Hockey League. [The others are powered by gas, natural gas or propane.]

It starts with a key, just like a car. When the Zamboni moves over the ice, it cuts off a layer, washes the surface and lays down hot water [about 160 degrees Fahrenheit], all at the same time. A system of refrigerated pipes under a concrete floor keeps the ice frozen, and it flash-freezes the hot water, making a smooth surface.

I like to keep 2 inches of ice in my building.

The fans are ecstatic every time they come in, whether it's a regular-season game or the Stanley Cup playoffs, which are happening now. You can actually feel the building shake. I just love being a part of it.